An oceanic shipping route is a designated or commonly recognized route for ships or other boats across an open expanse of oceanic water, including the open ocean, saltwater seas, bays, gulfs, inlets, straits, and other bodies of salt water connected with the ocean. It does not include routes which penetrate landmasses, such as routes through estuaries or intracoastal waterways.

The route crosses the open expanse of ocean-connected water, including the stated seas, bays, and straits. It need not lie far offshore to belong to that scope.

Inland waterways include routes through estuaries and intracoastal channels. The route's relationship to the landmass distinguishes those corridors.